Mcmullan’s late double seals United comeback and passage into next round

Paul Mcmullan scored twice in the final 12 minutes to send a youthful Dundee United first team into today’s draw for the second round of the Irn Bru Cup after a 3-2 comeback win over St Johnstone Colts at Tannadice.

Callum Hendry, the son of Scotland hero Colin, opened the scoring for the Perth side on 21 minutes when he headed into the net from a Kyle Mcclean cross.

A second St Johnstone goal arrived on 58 minutes, Hendry scoring again when he cut in from the left and curled in a fine shot.

Logan Chalmers reduced the deficit six minutes later and that kick-started a United recovery. The hosts equalised with 12 minutes left when Mcmullan darted clear and slipped the ball home.

Even better was to come for United when the winger scored his second for an injury-time winner.

Arbroath squeezed past hosts Elgin 7-6 on penalties after a late Darryl Mchardy header had levelled for Elgin to end the 90 minutes at 1-1.

Arbroath’s Danny Denholm hit the crossbar after 35 minutes but the Red Lichties went in front 12 minutes into the second half when Thomas O’brien headed home from a Denholm corner.

Elgin replied seven minutes from time through Mchardy’s close-range effort, with teammate Matthew Cooper’s miss from the 16th penalty proving decisive.

Montrose’s trip to Highland League Cove Rangers ended 1-1 but the Gable Endies booked their passage with a 4-3 penalty victory.

Cove goalkeeper Stuart Mckenzie conceded a penalty on 34 minutes when he fouled Craig Johnston and Iain Campbell sent the ball home from 12 yards.

Aminutefromthebreakpaul Mcmanus slammed in a leveller from four yards out and the experienced striker grabbed a second four minutes into the restart with a fierce drive.

Liam Callaghan restored parity on 69 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box and, in the penalty shootout, Jordan Millar’s save from Jordan Brown proved the match-winner.

East Kilbride saw off Lowland League rivals Spartans 5-4 on penalties after their tie ended at 1-1.

The Edinburgh side took the lead after just three minutes when Willie Bremner burst clear and managed to slide over a low cross for Gary Cennerazzo to tap home from six yards.

East Kilbride levelled after 60 minutes when Ross Mcneil drove the ball into the net after a frantic goalmouth scramble, with Bernard Coll hitting the decisive spot-kick.